Darlington Mowden Park have shown their support for the Armed Forces by officially signing the Armed Forces Covenant this week. Club Chairman Mick Birch has signed the covenant on behalf of the club ahead of the upcoming Armed Forces Day this weekend. On signing the Covenant, Mick commented: “I am delighted that our club can formally join the growing number of organisations to sign the Armed Forces Covenant. It confirms that we are an Armed Forces-friendly organisation and that we recognise the enormous value that serving personnel, veterans and military families contribute to our country.”

Darren Rhodes, the Ministry of Defence’s regional employer engagement director, said: “The Employer Recognition Scheme was launched to recognise those employers who support Defence People objectives and encourage others to exhibit the same behaviours. Defence is keen to provide recognition to those employers that are going above and beyond the call of duty in supporting our People. Employers can reap real rewards from employing military personnel such as Reservists and Service Leavers, acquiring a portfolio of skills and behaviours that are beneficial in a modern working environment.”

“Being recognised as Forces Friendly means being attractive to Reservists and Service Leavers who may aspire to work in your sector. These are highly skilled, well-trained professionals who can add real value to your business.”

As part of their commitment to support the Armed Forces, DMP are offering free tickets to all service personnel and veterans for Saturday’s game against Plymouth (3pm Kick Off). No pre-booking is required for the free tickets, service personnel and veterans can simply show their military ID on the turnstiles to redeem their free ticket.

The game will be preceded by a range of military exhibits, as regiments from across the region bring vehicles and capability displays. The exhibit is open to the public from 1.30pm and is free of charge. The Armed Forces theme continues throughout the day, with a minutes silence prior to kick off and the last post played by buglers from the Army Reserves.

Tickets for Saturday’s game are priced at just £10 for adults and £8 for concessions, with £1 from every adult ticket going to Armed Forces charities. As always, U16s can enjoy the game for free, with free parking available at the Arena.